Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metal that disrupts spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis due to its long half-life. This study evaluated the impact of recovery alone or with zinc (Zn) supplementation on Cd-induced testicular toxicity. A total of 42 pubertal male Wistar rats were divided into seven groups of six rats each. The control group (1) received NaCl (0.9%). Groups 2, 3, and 4 were treated with Cd 10 μg/kg/d by intraperitoneal injection for 1, 2, and 3 months respectively. Group 5 received Cd for 3 months with a recovery period of 1 month; Group 6 was exposed to Cd for 3 months, followed by a 1-month recovery period combined with Zn supplementation. (0.5 mg/kg/d). The last group was treated with zinc at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg/day for one month. The results showed decreased body weight, testicular and epididymal weight, testicular dimensions, and sperm parameters, along with Cd accumulation in the testes. Cd caused testicular damage and reduced serum testosterone levels, with more pronounced effects in the 3-month treatment group. Recovery alone did not significantly reverse Cd’s toxic effects, whereas Zn supplementation mitigated most of the damage. Recovery combined with Zn supplementation was more effective in correcting Cd-induced testicular toxicity than recovery alone.

Male circumcision (MC) seems to be practiced since ancient times by Muslims and Jewish, and it is considered as commandment. Attempts at self-circumcision for any reason are very rare in our country. This article aims to highlight another case of self-circumcision in a 30 year-old male, using a sharp vegetable knife. The reasons behind this act are various and the most common complications, especially in the use of sharp tools, in addition to bleeding or laceration of the penis, are infection, penile curvature, urethral injury or necrosis of the foreskin and penile tissues. To our knowledge, this is the first case report with necrotic foreskin as complication.

(1) Background: Testosterone plays a key role in spermatogenesis and in maintaining semen quality and sperm DNA integrity. Consequently, reduced testosterone levels may disrupt these processes and contribute to male infertility. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of low testosterone levels on semen parameters, sperm DNA fragmentation, and chromatin condensation; (2) Methods: This was a prospective study that included 214 men aged 25–45 years undergoing infertility evaluation. Participants were classified into two groups according to serum testosterone levels: low testosterone and normal testosterone. Total testosterone was determined using electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. Semen analysis was carried out according to the WHO 2021 guidelines. The DNA fragmentation index was assessed using the TUNEL assay. The sperm decondensation index was evaluated by aniline blue staining; (3) Results: Men with low serum total testosterone levels (<2.64 ng/mL) exhibited significantly impaired semen parameters compared with those with normal testosterone levels. Serum total testosterone was positively correlated with sperm concentration (rs = 0.43, p < 0.001), total motility (rs = 0.20, p = 0.005), normal morphology (rs = 0.25, p < 0.001), and sperm vitality (rs = 0.173, p = 0.014). In contrast, testosterone levels were negatively correlated with the DNA fragmentation index (rs = −0.221, p = 0.0017) and the chromatin decondensation index (rs = −0.19, p = 0.0086). A higher proportion of pathological DFI (>15%) was observed in the low testosterone group. (4) Conclusions: These findings support the essential role of testosterone in sustaining spermatogenesis, semen quality, and sperm DNA integrity and highlight the crucial importance of testosterone assessment in the diagnosis and pathophysiological understanding of male infertility.

Giant hydronephrosis is rare to be seen in adults and is often the cause of misdiagnosis, It is usually caused by ureteropelvic junction syndrome. We here report the unusual case of a patient hospitalized with giant hydronephrosis secondary to ureteral calculi, associated with impaired general condition. Diagnosis was based on CT scan. The patient underwent deferred nephrectomy after percutaneous drainage.

Smoking is a major lifestyle factor associated with impaired male reproductive health, affecting both active smokers and individuals exposed to secondhand smoke. It also represents a significant source of cadmium (Cd) exposure, a toxic metal associated with altered sperm quality. This study aimed to evaluate the association between active and passive smoking and semen parameters, sperm DNA fragmentation, and chromatin decondensation, as well as cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn) levels in seminal plasma. A total of 280 men from infertile couples were included and categorized into three groups: 104 non-smokers (control), 90 active smokers, and 86 passive smokers. Semen samples were analyzed according to the WHO 2021 guidelines. Cadmium and zinc concentrations in seminal plasma were determined using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES), and sperm DNA fragmentation and chromatin decondensation were evaluated. The findings indicated that both active and passive smoking were associated with impaired semen parameters, increased sperm DNA fragmentation and chromatin decondensation, decreased zinc levels, and elevated cadmium concentrations in seminal plasma.

Infertility is a major health problem affecting about 15% of couples worldwide. Male etiology is found in almost one-third of cases. This study identified the nature of the relationship between sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF), sperm chromatin condensation (SCC) and sperm parameters. In this study, 80 samples were analyzed using two methods: the TUNEL technique to assess sperm DNA quality and aniline blue coloration to determine the level of chromatic condensation of spermatozoa. In addition, to specify the standard sperm parameters, the spermogram and the spermocytogram were analyzed. The main results revealed a significant difference between SDF and motility and, similarly, between SCC, motility, and teratozoospermia macrocephaly types (p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, respectively), but no differences between SCC, SDF, and the other sperm parameters (p > 0.99).